He was also surprised Master Jay won from the front, after the horse had come from mid-field in its two previous wins.

Jockey Geoffrey Snowden was instructed to let Master Jay get a steady start, guide it to the middle of the pack and then try to bring it home strongly.

But after Master Jay jumped out quickly and burst to a two-length lead, Snowden decided to take charge of the race.

“That’s the good thing about good jockeys – they can change their plan by themselves,” Sinclair said.

Master Jay won by just under a length from Zanda’s Law. Suzmima was another length back, closely followed by favourite Wanna Be Someone.

Sinclair had expected the race to be won by one of those three runners, rather than Master Jay.

“I’ve never seen him lead before so that was surprising,” Sinclair said.

“We were happy to win the race. He’s a horse with limited ability, but a win’s a win.”

Sinclair said Master Jay had pulled up fine and would probably run at Inverell on Monday.